Chief Financial and Operating Officer – Withington Girls’ School

Withington Girls’ School is a leading independent day school for 760 girls aged 7-18.

Located in Fallowfield, just three miles south of Manchester’s city centre, Withington is thriving with a strong pupil roll and a healthy financial position.

The school’s academic results are outstanding with Withington consistently ranked as the top independent school in the North West. The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2024 named Withington North West Independent School of the year for academic performance and in 2021 named Withington North West Independent School of the Decade. The school prides itself on being small enough to allow the individual development of all girls, and its inspiring ethos enables every pupil to reach their full potential in a supportive and friendly environment.

The Headmistress and Governors are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, dynamic and forward-thinking individual to the key role of Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO). This is an important leadership position and an exciting opportunity to play a strategic and integral part in the next stage of the school’s development. Reporting to the Headmistress, the CFOO is a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team and plays a vital role in the school’s strategic planning. The CFOO also fulfils the role of Clerk to the Governors. The post holder will be responsible for the effective leadership and management of the day-to-day non-educational operations of the school, including finance, estates, human resources, IT, facilities, compliance and all commercial activities.  

The successful candidate will be an individual of proven senior leadership ability, a strategic and creative thinker and will possess outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Whilst a formal accounting qualification is not required, exceptional financial acumen and robust commercial judgement will be essential, as will an ability to establish highly effective, collaborative working relationships with the Headmistress, Governors and colleagues at all levels.

Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite and applications are encouraged from candidates with commercial, charitable, private-sector and public-sector backgrounds.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion about the role:

Hannah Freestone-Smith: hannahfreestone-smith@rsacademics.com

Nina Lambert: ninalambert@rsacademics.com

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Monday 30 September 2024.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on Apply Now and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit:

• A completed application form.
• A covering letter addressed to the Headmistress, Mrs Sarah Haslam. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.

If you have any questions about uploading your documents please contact Alison Hooper, Project Coordinator (Appointments), at applications@rsacademics.com. Alison can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163.

Withington Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.